Best Time to Visit

The Basque Country can get chilly and rainy during the winter, so the best time for visiting Bilbao is during the summer months. To avoid the bulk of tourist masses, plan your trip for late April / May or from September to early October, when temperatures are still pleasant and outdoor activities can still be enjoyed.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Spain, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African, or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located approximately 12 km north of Bilbao city centre, with a journey time of around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The Bizkaibus A3247 is the primary public transport option connecting the airport to the city. This bus line operates daily, with departures from the airport every 15 minutes during summer and every 20 minutes during winter. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available outside the arrivals hall.

• Web:

  www.aena.es/en/bilbao.html

• Address:

  Aeropuerto de Bilbao/Bilboko aireportua, Loiu, Biscay, Spain

• Phone:

  +34 913 21 10 00

Public Transport

Public transport in Bilbao is reliable, well-integrated, and a great option for visitors. The city is served by Metro Bilbao, the Bilbao tram (Bilbao Tranvía), Bilbobus (city buses), Bizkaibus (regional buses), and commuter rail lines operated by Euskotren and Renfe. The metro is especially handy for travellers, linking central stops like Casco Viejo, Moyua, and San Mamés with neighbourhoods, suburbs, and even coastal towns such as Plentzia. The tram runs through the city centre, connecting the Guggenheim Museum, Abando station, and the Old Town, while buses fill in the gaps with extensive coverage across Bilbao and the surrounding area. For visitors, the Barik card is a convenient rechargeable smartcard valid on most forms of transport in Bizkaia. An alternative is the Bilbao Bizkaia Card, a tourist pass available for 24, 48, or 72 hours that includes unlimited public transport plus discounts and fast-track entry at several attractions.

Taxi

Taxis in Bilbao are easy to find and can be hailed on the street or picked up at taxi ranks across the city. They are white with a red stripe on the doors. In addition to traditional taxis, ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Cabify operate in the city, providing a convenient alternative for getting around.

Electricity

Spain’s power grid runs at 230 volts and 50 Hz, and the sockets accept Type F (Schuko) and Type C (Europlug) plugs, both with two round prongs.